May 18, 1946 ~ November 22, 2025
Daniel “Danny” Wayne Carley, age 79, passed away on November 22nd, 2025
at his home in Nowata, Oklahoma.
He was born May 18th, 1946, in Bristow,
Oklahoma to Jesse Warren and Willie Marie Carley. In 1950, his parents moved
the family to Nowata, where Danny grew up and spent the rest of his life.
Danny attended Nowata Public Schools throughout grade school and high school. For his senior year, he chose to attend Alluwe High School because he loved the extra courses they offered. He graduated from Alluwe in 1965. Immediately after high school, Danny joined the United States Air Force, serving faithfully from 1965 to 1969.
After completing his service, he returned home and married the love of his life, Mary Lou McFarland, after just six months of dating. They were married on February 7th, 1970, by his uncle, Judge Coffman, at the courthouse. The couple built their home in Nowata and welcomed their first son, David, in 1971, followed by their cherished daughter, Tina, in 1979.
As a family, they made many memories fishing together—especially after discovering their secret “honey hole” full of perch. Danny could never seem to outfish Mary, but he loved every moment. They enjoyed occasional camping, too, but fishing was always their favorite pastime.
Most of all, Danny loved people. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He was known throughout the community as a genuine man—kind, honest, and always willing to help. He became well known while serving customers at the Kerr-McGee station in Nowata, where he provided oil changes, filled gas, and did minor repairs. He owned and operated the station from 1984 until selling it in 2009.
Danny worked several jobs over the years, but his most recent work was at the Walmart Automotive Center, where he continued serving people and doing what he was gifted at.
Faith and family were always the most important parts of Danny’s life. He truly lived like Jesus—praying with people, checking on them sincerely, and always wanting to know how he could lift them up in prayer. His gentle spirit and servant’s heart touched countless lives.
Danny is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Lou Carley; his children, David Carley (Dawn) and Tina Jordan; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; his brothers Richard Carley, Claude Carley, and Mark Carley; his sister Laurel Schulte; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Warren Carley and Willie Marie Carley; his brother Ronnie Carley; and his sister Sandra Whitmore.